In short: Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to land in Australia on Saturday for the first visit by a Chinese premier in seven years.
A new visa scheme, pandas and trade deals could all be discussed during the official visit.
What’s next: The visit is expected to last four days.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Officials, diplomats and police in Canberra are furiously preparing for Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who will fly into Australia later today at a crucial time for Beijing and for the Australian government.
Australia’s potential inclusion in China’s visa-free program marks a significant gesture, following similar arrangements offered to 12 other countries including France, Germany, and New Zealand.
During his visit to a lithium mine in Perth, Mr Li is expected to emphasise the need for a consistent supply of natural resources, including iron ore, from Australia.
Canberra has not publicly ruled out lending its support but is reticent given its recent bruising encounter with Beijing’s economic coercion — not the sort of behaviour consistent with the high standards which are meant to be embraced by all CPTPP members.
Over the past six months, it has initiated comprehensive consultations with every single member countries and even started trial practices for the CPTPP agreement in Shanghai’s free trade zone.
Beijing is trying to demonstrate it is willing to reduce traditional trade barriers and improve market entry and tariffs, hoping it can convince CPTPP members of its commitment to the pact and its principles.
The original article contains 825 words, the summary contains 191 words. Saved 77%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!